Japan's women finished runner-up to the Netherlands in the team pursuit at the season-opening World Cup meet on Saturday night.
Japan, which was fourth in the event at the Sochi Olympics in February, clocked 3 minutes, 4.78 seconds to place second at Hokkaido Tokachi Oval. The Dutchwomen won in 3:02.54. Germany was in third place, 4.12 seconds behind the winners.
Marrit Leenstra led the Netherlands to victory in a 1-2 finish ahead of countrywoman Ireen Wust in the women's 1,000 meters in a time of 1:16.23. Nao Kodaira and Nana Takagi were eighth and 20th, respectively.
Pavel Kulizhnikov claimed the men's 1,000-meter title.
The Dutchman won the men's team pursuit in 3:43.68, completing a double for the Netherlands. Japan finished in fifth place, 7.85 seconds back.